ICD-10 Code F80.0 – Phonological disorder (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F80.0 – Phonological disorder
What it is
F80.0 identifies a developmental speech sound disorder in which a child has difficulty using sound patterns correctly. You use it when the problem is phonological rather than due to hearing loss, structural abnormality, or another neurologic cause.
Clinical signs
Common findings include persistent speech sound substitutions, omissions, or simplifications that make speech hard to understand. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for age-appropriate severity and whether the pattern is consistent with phonological delay or disorder.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record documents a phonological disorder, speech sound disorder, or similar developmental articulation pattern affecting intelligibility. It is appropriate when the clinician attributes the speech problem to phonologic processing rather than a motor speech disorder. Check documentation if the note is nonspecific.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for isolated stuttering, voice disorders, hearing-related speech delay, or dysarthria/apraxia. If the diagnosis is unclear or another cause is documented, do not assume F80.0.
Coding tip
Code F80.0 only when the provider explicitly documents a phonological disorder or equivalent developmental speech sound diagnosis.